DEVELOPING HOCKEY PLAYERS SINCE 2007

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights junior hockey program has played a pivotal role in the advancement of junior hockey in northeastern Pennsylvania. Since its expansion into junior hockey in 2010, the organization has provided a highly competitive platform for athletes aged 16 to 20 to develop their skills and gain exposure to collegiate and professional opportunities.

The Knights first entered the junior hockey landscape by acquiring franchises in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League (MJHL), both Tier III leagues sanctioned by USA Hockey. These teams quickly became a gateway for regional talent to compete against top-tier programs across the United States and Canada. In 2013, the program captured the AJHL Championship, solidifying its presence as a serious competitor in junior hockey.

In 2015, the Knights elevated their program to the next level by acquiring a Tier II junior franchise in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The team’s most successful season came in 2018, when they earned 30 regular-season wins, qualified for the playoffs for the third consecutive year, won the NAHL East Division title, and advanced to the prestigious Robertson Cup Championship.

A major transformation began in 2018 when new ownership took over the facility and team operations. A wide range of capital improvements followed, including a new off-ice turf training space, fitness and weight facilities, upgraded locker rooms, an AV-equipped press box, a luxury scouting lounge, improved boards and glass, and more parking—creating a premier environment for junior hockey development.

In 2021, the Knights organization was awarded junior franchises in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), including both Elite and Premier Tier III levels. This expansion provided players with more structured pathways for advancement and scouting exposure within a nationally recognized development model.

Building on that momentum, the Knights were awarded a Tier II junior franchise in the USPHL’s tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) for the 2022–2023 season and beyond. As the 14th team to join the NCDC, the Knights now offer top-end athletes a tuition-free, highly scouted development opportunity with direct access to NCAA and professional pipelines.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights junior program continues to demonstrate its commitment to elite player development through year-round training, high-level competition, and a proven track record of advancing players to the next level.